Wheely tough choice

I drive a 2005 Renault Clio II. My tyres need to be replaced, and I am considering changing from metal rims to mag rims.

My tyre size is 175/65 R14, but I don't like the 14-inch rims as they are not appealing at all! Will I have problems if I fit 15 or 17-inch rims? How is that going to affect me in the long run?

I called a local tyre shop to enquire about the price of tyres and they asked me which brand! What are the differences between brands and which one is the best? - Samuel

Samuel, mag rims have certain advantages over pressed steel rims, mainly because they are lighter for the same rim size.

This provides a small fuel saving, and also means that the unsprung mass on the car is less, something that improves road holding and ride quality.

Depending on the design, many people think they look prettier than steel rims.

However, they also have certain disadvantages - they are more expensive, they are more susceptible to impact damage, and they require more care when tightening the wheel bolts or nuts.

A torque wrench should always be used, and the use of an air wrench should be avoided because its typical jerky, twitching action can damage the relatively brittle alloy around the stud holes.

Alloy wheels are also more attractive to thieves, making it advisable to use locking wheel nuts which require a special key to remove. You are fortunate in that the Clio's standard tyre size of 175/65 R14 is a very common one for light cars.

There are a multitude of different makes of tyre available in this size.

The Big Four in the South African tyre industry - Bridgestone/Firestone, Continental, Dunlop and Goodyear - each market "premium" tyres under their own name as well as a "budget" line under a different brand name.

Firestone has the Dayton, Continental the Barum, Dunlop the Regal, Goodyear the Sava. I would avoid these budget brands, because the price difference does not make up for the fact that you will probably be getting lower quality all round.

I would give the rash of tyres of unknown origin an even wider berth.

The premium lines of the Big Four have been developed to cope with the strenuous demands that our country's heat, road conditions and long distances make on tyres.

You can buy any one of them with confidence. This doesn't mean that all imported tyres are to be avoided. Michelin, for instance, are to be commended for being the only company willing to put their money where their mouth is with regard to mileage.

They offer a mileage warranty of 70000km on their Energy Saver tyres, subject to reasonable conditions of rotation and dealer inspection every 10000km.

Shopping around is the name of the game when buying new tyres.

You will probably be able to fit 15 or 17-inch rims to the Clio, but it would mean going to lower profile tyres.

You would have to check with the tyre dealer for clearance problems.

Low profile tyres might look sexy but they have significant disadvantages and are not a good choice for everyday use on the roads of our country.